Overnight Chase Nets Two Arrests

Vanderburgh County – Last night at approximately 8:05 p.m., Trooper Zack Fulton was stopped at a traffic light on the Lloyd Expressway westbound at St. Joseph Avenue when he used his computer to check the registration on the vehicle in front of him. The information revealed the registered owner, Michelle Baird, 42, of Wadesville, was suspended. The registration plate on the vehicle was also improperly displayed. After the traffic light turned green Trooper Fulton activated his emergency lights, but Baird exited the Lloyd Expressway onto Barker Avenue and continued north at a high rate of speed. Baird then turned west on Virginia, south on Tekoppel and then west on Hogue Rd. She was driving approximately 55 mph and drove left of center, almost colliding head-on with several eastbound vehicles. Baird then turned south on Boehne Camp Road and disregarded the traffic signal at the Lloyd Expressway and continued south at a high rate of speed until she turned east onto Middle Mt. Vernon Road. She finally stopped after nearly striking another trooper’s patrol car on Broadway Avenue. Once the vehicle stopped, Baird and her male passenger, Ryan Hanebutt, 37, of Evansville, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Both individuals were quickly apprehended by Troopers Fulton and Rafferty. Further investigation revealed Baird ran from troopers because she had a suspended license and didn’t have insurance on her vehicle. When troopers searched Hannbutt they found a small clear bottle containing marijuana. Baird and Hannbutt were arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail. During a search of Baird’s property, officers found three schedule 5 controlled pills inside her purse. Baird is currently being held without bond. Hannbutt posted bond and was released.

Arrested and Charges:

• Michelle Baird, 42, Wadesville, IN

1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Class 6 Felony
2. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
3. Possession of a Legend Drug, Class 6 Felony
4. Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
5. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor
6. She was also issued tickets for several traffic offenses

• Ryan Hanebutt, 37, Evansville, IN

1. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
2. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor